You guys had more questions than usual, so I guess the Raiders did something big in the last couple days. Cant put my finger on it.

Anyway, six days stand between Tuesday and the regular season opener against the Rams on Monday Night Football. The time is almost here, even if the Raiders are without their (former) best player.

Lets get to some of your questions.

@Rollicking_R8R: Curious other than the 4 mil was Seth Roberts actually better to keep than Marcel Ateman. And how foolish do we look wasting a 3rd on Martavis Bryant?

Roberts guaranteed money aside, he probably still is better than Marcell Ateman. Roberts has been with Derek Carr since their rookie year in 2014, and has made some big plays over his career. Ateman flashed some things in camp, but hes still a rookie. And besides, Roberts isnt eligible for the practice squad while Ateman is. The Raiders got what they wanted in Ateman clearing waivers, and now he gets to develop on the practice squad until hes ready. And on the Martavis Bryant scenario? Very, very, very, very foolish.

@Masoninho: What player did we get in return for Mack? I heard it was 2 1sts, a 3rd and a player?

No players, just a 2019 first, 2019 sixth, 2020 first and 2020 third in exchange for Mack, a 2020 second and a conditional 2020 fifth.

@armenta9411: Best and worst matchups vs Rams?

Best matchup for the Raiders I have to be honest, I dont see one the Raiders have a clear advantage in. Worst Todd Gurley running against the Raiders front seven.

@chanceler_young: Is Bruce Irvin taking leadership/ captain role now that Mack is gone?

Absolutely. Hes been the defensive leader all throughout Macks absence, and that role only intensifies now that he knows Mack isnt returning.

@xAlwaysWinBabyx: If our 3 defensive rookies can ball out and Conley can stay healthy in Paul Gs system, top 10 defense?

I dont know about top 10, but itll be better than last year. I can guarantee that. I think Conley has star potential at cornerback. If Arden Key, Mo Hurst and P.J. Hall can step it up on the defensive line, the hurt from Macks trade will subside in due time. All three can rush the quarterback, a major area of weakness even when the Raiders had Mack last season.

@BMoonan: If the Raiders turn the Mack trade into a pro bowl player and 3 solid starters through picks and cap space, is the trade a win?

Nah, because by the time all those things pan out, Mack might be past his prime anyway. Its really hard to imagine a realistic scenario in which the Raiders win this trade. They just gave up their best player and a second-round pick. The consensus seems to be the Raiders are big-time losers in a move that is more likely to haunt them than not.

@JimMcCreery: Do you think we honestly have a shot this week?

Of course the Raiders have a shot. Do I think theyll win? No, but if Amari Cooper and Jordy Nelson dont get shut down by Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib, and the Raiders dominant interior O-line doesnt let Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh take over, they might have a chance. Might.

@kevinckeiser: Whos the nickle corner without Worley?

Worley was only playing outside, so his suspension wont affect the nickel corner spot much. Leon Hall saw the most reps there during camp, so Id assume its still him.

@raidergrewal1: Understanding that Gruden has a ten year contract, did he essentially tell everyone Dont judge me by the results of 2018 and 2019? Instead judge me by the 2020 season when all of my draft picks have come in?

Well, Gruden has told fans in Oakland hell win for them now. The move certainly seems like a play for the future, but who knows what Chucky has up his sleeve for 2018. He thinks they can still win now, even if it doesnt seem like it at the moment.

@breshlo:I believe your prediction was 9-7 a week ago with Mack. What is it now? Will the Raiders be able to put up enough points against the Rams to make this a shootout? With limited quality talent left on the market & some Cap space now do you think the Raiders will make a trade?

Ill go 7-9 now. Like I said above, if Cooper and Nelson can create some separation, I think the Raiders can score in the 20s. The question is whether the Raiders can stop Gurley, a 2018 MVP candidate. And nice job squeezing a third question in there you really never know with Gruden. Us beat writers are getting crucified for saying Mack wouldnt get traded, so Im staying out of the trade prediction business for now.

@Babz850: What is Derrick Johnson role going to be? Is he going to be a 1st-2nd down LB and surrender 3rd to Lee? Will they both play?

Yeah, theyll both play, but I see Lee taking over starting duties at some point this season. Johnson turns 36 in November. I could see your scenario happening of the playing time split, at least to start the season.

@AcunaErnie: Next draft do you see the Raiders drafting at top and bottom of board? Or next to each other on the top of the board?

I think both first-round picks will be in the teens. I think the Raiders are in the low teens and the think a much-improved Bears team (whose first-round pick the Raiders obviously have) is in the high teens.